OCDE Newsroom

Extreme heat expected across Orange County this week

Ian Hanigan August 24, 2026

Pacific Drive Elementary School students enjoy oat muffins and fruit during class as part of the Fullerton School District Breakfast in the Classroom initiative. (Fullerton School District)

Weekly roundup: Free breakfast is served at third Fullerton School District campus, and more

Madeline Gray August 21, 2026

Graphic that says "A note from Dr. Bean" with image of Dr. Stefan Bean

Dr. Bean: A shared call for the year ahead — All. Together. Now.

Stefan Bean August 20, 2026

California students and educators participate in the Parade of States during the opening ceremony of the 2026 National History Day National Contest at the University of Maryland.

OCDE to launch 2026-27 National History Day season with virtual kickoff

Vicky Nguyen August 19, 2026

Logan Thielen poses at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library after earning first place in the California National Civics Bee. The Brea Junior High School seventh-grader will represent California at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., in October.

Brea Junior High student prepares to represent California at National Civics Bee

Vicky Nguyen August 18, 2026

Weekly roundup: National Merit OC semifinalists announced, CMA Foundation honors Garden Grove teacher, and more

Madeline Gray September 15, 2023

More than 220 Orange County high schoolers were named National Merit Scholars on Wednesday as part of the annual scholarship...

Orange County Registrar of Voters representative speaks to a student at a youth resource fair on June 22, 2023.

State and local leaders encourage students to use their voice by pre-registering to vote

Vicky Nguyen September 13, 2023

More than a million students in the state have pre-registered to vote through the High School Voter Education Weeks initiative,...

OCDE names David Giordano as new associate superintendent of Administrative Services

Ian Hanigan September 12, 2023

The Orange County Department of Education has tapped a veteran business services leader to be its next associate superintendent of Administrative Services. David M. Giordano, an assistant superintendent in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District since 2015, will succeed Renee...

OCDE partners on national initiative for inclusive education

Ian Hanigan September 11, 2023

Reflecting its ongoing commitment to inclusive education, the Orange County Department of Education has been selected by the SWIFT Education...

SAUSD Heninger Elementary film pathway program

Weekly roundup: Santa Ana Unified students gain filmmaking experience, National History Day turns 50, and more

Vicky Nguyen September 8, 2023

A college and career pathway program at Heninger Elementary is giving students opportunities to share their personal stories through writing,...

Students compete in the Super Quiz Relay at the Orange County Academic Decathlon.

OCDE recruits school teams for upcoming Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon events

Madeline Gray September 7, 2023

At the California Academic Decathlon in March, Orange County students took home a total of 84 individual medals and six team award trophies — one of the county’s strongest showings in the statewide competition. With hopes to make an even...

National History Day contest celebrates 50th anniversary

Vicky Nguyen September 5, 2023

National History Day is commemorating 50 years of engaging young historians in cultivating critical thinking, honing research skills and nurturing...

Beechwood School students make use of their new hockey rink donated by the Anaheim Ducks Foundation and the Anaheim Ducks S.C.O.R.E. program. (Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks)

Weekly roundup: Anaheim Ducks donate hockey rink to Beechwood, OC campuses rank among U.S. News’ best high schools, and more

Madeline Gray September 1, 2023

The Fullerton School District recently expanded its facilities with a brand new hockey rink thanks to the Anaheim Ducks. On...

The Westminster School District welcomes students and school staff back to campuses on Tuesday, Aug. 29. (Courtesy of Westminster School District)

Orange County campuses ring in the 2023-24 school year with new and returning students

Madeline Gray August 31, 2023

“Make today great.” “Spread happiness.” “You got this.” These are just a few of the messages of encouragement students were presented with as they recently returned to campus and kicked off the 2023-24 academic year. With Orange County school districts...

OC schools rank among nation’s best in latest U.S. News report

Vicky Nguyen August 30, 2023

Numerous public schools in Orange County made their way onto the U.S. News & World Report’s yearly breakdown of the...